Center for Immigrant and Refugee Health

02/04/2026

📣 Upcoming Community Workshop
Organizing for Change: Strategies to Mobilize Communities During Political Turmoil

Date & Time: Feb 12, 2026 05:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

This workshop equips immigrant- and refugee-led organizations with practical organizing and advocacy strategies to respond effectively during times of political instability and heightened enforcement. Participants will explore how political turmoil impacts their communities and learn how to build grassroots power, mobilize community members, and foster unity rooted in lived experience. Through real-world case scenarios, attendees will examine successful organizing efforts and apply lessons learned to current challenges facing immigrant and refugee communities.

Key Topics:
• Advocacy strategies during political turmoil
• Encouraging safe and meaningful civic engagement
• Building and sustaining grassroots power
• Case scenarios of effective community organizing

Register here:

This workshop equips immigrant- and refugee-led organizations with practical organizing and advocacy strategies to respond effectively during times of political instability and heightened enforcement. Participants will explore how political turmoil impacts their communities and learn how to build gr...

01/07/2026

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

The California Department of Social Services’ Child Trafficking Response Team and Refugee Programs Bureau’s Asylee & Trafficking Unit are hosting a series of virtual events to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts across California and beyond.

​✅ Learn how trafficking impacts individuals, families, and communities
​✅ Build skills to recognize warning signs and respond safely
​✅ Explore trauma-informed approaches to support survivors

🔗 Learn more & register:

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is committed to the prevention and eradication of human trafficking, as well as to providing ongoing support to survivors of human trafficking in California. January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and for 2026, the Child Traffickin...

12/23/2025

12/18/2025

Join us for an afternoon of warmth, joy, and community! Families can enjoy lunch, hot drinks, treats, kids’ activities, and more — all in a welcoming space for our Afghan community ✨

🗓 Sunday, December 21
⏰ 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 9752 13th St, Garden Grove, CA 92844

Free lunch, games, henna & glitter tattoos, bounce house, chocolate fountain, and activities for kids as well as a winter blanket (first come, first serve)

📌 Open to Afghan newcomers who arrived on or after August 1, 2021 (documentation required).
🔗 Please RSVP using the QR code. We look forward to seeing you and your family!

Partners: .la

12/18/2025

The CalFresh Team is hosting an All Stakeholder Webinar on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. (PT). This session will provide State partners with updates and information on the CalFresh program and related services, presented by the CalFresh Branch and the Nutrition Programs Branch of the California Department of Social Services.

🔗 Registration is required: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hieHl7d9RHGaqOtjwC64mg #/registration

♿ Accessibility: American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, closed captions, and Spanish interpretation will be available.

During this webinar, the CalFresh Branch and the Nutrition Programs Branch from the California Department of Social Services will provide stakeholders with information and updates on the CalFresh program and related services.

12/15/2025

Castro Valley Adult & Career Education (CVACE) Medical Academy is excited to offer several excellent healthcare training opportunities for the upcoming winter session. Below is a quick overview of the programs:

1. Medical Assisting (MA)
In-person | Jan 8 – Oct 29 | Tue & Thu | 5–9 PM
Learn hands-on clinical and administrative skills, including taking vital signs, drawing blood, performing EKGs, assisting with exams, and preparing for state certification.
To learn more and apply: https://cvace.link/MedicalAssistantOrientation

2. Community Health Worker (CHW)
Online | Feb 23 – Jun 17 | Mon & Wed | 10 AM–1 PM
Train for roles like Care Coordinator, Health Navigator, and Transition Specialist. Discover public health, benefits programs, care coordination, and patient support services.
To learn more and apply: https://cvace.link/CHW-Orientation

3. Introduction to Healthcare Careers (IHC) — Free Class
Online | Jan 14 – Apr 22 | Wed & Fri | 9 AM–12 PM
Explore the healthcare system, medical terms, body systems, communication skills, and career pathways.
To learn more and apply: https://cvace.link/healthcare-prep

4. English for Healthcare Careers (EHC) — Free Class
Hybrid | Jan 26 – Apr 29 | Mon & Wed | 12:15–2:15 PM
For learners who want to improve their English before entering a healthcare training program.
To learn more and apply: https://cvace.link/healthcare-prep

If you or someone you know is interested, please visit the links above or call 510-886-1000 for more information.

Castro Valley Adult and Career Education has two classes that are helpful to people who want to go into a healthcare career training program but need to improve their English first. The Introduction to Healthcare Careers class will be held from January 14 to April 22, with sessions on Wednesdays and...

12/05/2025

IRC Oakland is offering counseling sessions for Afghans in Contra Costa County (ORR-eligible). Up to 12 sessions available, with in-person, Zoom, or phone options.

Contact oak.wellness@rescue.org or (510) 871-7402 to get connected.

11/26/2025

📢 Upcoming Webinar: Navigating Parole, TPS & Public Benefits for Ukrainians in California

Ukrainian newcomers continue to face layered challenges related to parole, work authorization, access to benefits, and education. This webinar will equip service providers, advocates, and community partners with a clear understanding of the evolving policy landscape, including UHP parole, re-parole, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

📅 Wednesday, December 10, 2025
🕛 12:00–1:00 PM PST
🌐 English language session

Participants will learn about:
✅Eligibility for Medi-Cal, Covered California, CalFresh, cash assistance, housing programs, and FAFSA
✅Re-parole and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) guidance
✅Educational opportunities for parolees and TPS holders in CA
✅Practical guidance on driver’s license renewal, taxes, work permit delays & family preparedness

🎤 Featured Speaker:
Vera Serova — Pro bono legal advocate for Ukrainian refugees; featured in The Wall Street Journal & The New Voice of Ukraine; UCLA School of Law, JD’19.

👉 Register today: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PIDxwGy8QIapwf668nXdCA #/registration

11/06/2025

Exciting Opportunity for Young Professionals with Lived Displacement Experience! Applications for the National Young Adult Leadership Council close on November 10, 2025.

Refugee Congress is accepting applications for two new cohorts of the National Young Adult Leadership Council (NYALC), part of the National Refugee Leadership and Lived Experience Council (NRLLEC) program. Both NYALC cohorts are open to refugees, asylees with granted asylum status, and all other ORR-eligible populations aged 18 to 24 who have lived in the United States for less than 5 years.

In 2026, there will be two NYALC cohorts: emerging leaders and experienced leaders. Over 10 months, all NYALC Council Members will gain and deepen skills in community leadership, civic engagement, narrative development, public speaking, and more, while being supported to use these skills to design and implement a project benefiting their local community. Council Members will also have their voices heard and be able to share feedback in a written program report to the Office of Refugee Resettlement and through a stakeholder webinar. Monthly training, mentorship, and project guidance will be provided virtually, and Council Members will gather in person for a three-day meeting in Washington, DC, in August 2026. After the Council Term, NYALC Members will have the opportunity to continue their development through the NRLLEC Alumni Network.

The deadline for applications is November 10, 2025. Candidates must submit their applications here: https://refugeecongress.org/nrllec. Applicants can email nrllec@refugeecongress.org with questions.

10/31/2025

🚨 Federal Shutdown May Impact CalFresh Benefits — Here’s What You Need to Know

The ongoing federal government shutdown may disrupt CalFresh benefits (California’s SNAP program) starting November 1, unless Congress acts or the courts intervene. This could delay the deposit of benefits onto EBT cards, including the Golden State Advantage card used by 42 million Americans, including 5.5 million in California.

Here’s what this means for communities across California:

✅ What Remains Available
• Use Current Balances: Funds already loaded onto EBT cards will remain available until used.
• CalFresh Offices Open: Local offices are still operating to assist with applications and administrative needs.
• WIC Benefits Unaffected: The WIC program for pregnant individuals and children under 5 will continue as normal.

🍎 Need Food Assistance?
If your benefits are impacted, here are some resources that provide accessible food assistance services:
• California Association of Food Banks: https://www.cafoodbanks.org/
• Local list of food banks by county: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/food-banks
• Call 2-1-1 to get connected to food assistance and other local support services.

This uncertainty may be especially difficult for families, seniors, and vulnerable neighbors. If you’re able, please check in with your community and offer support.

For questions about your CalFresh benefits, visit the CalFresh FAQ page: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/benefits-services/food-nutrition-services/calfresh/calfresh-frequently-asked-questions

The federal government is shut down. Until President Trump and Congress reopen the government, millions of Californians receiving CalFresh benefits may have their benefits impacted. The federal government has not provided additional funding for these benefits. Funding is available for benefits for t...

10/31/2025

We want to hear from you! Take our short survey to help us understand the needs of immigrant and refugee communities. It is available in many languages. Complete it by November 3, 2025 for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. https://prettyform.addxt.com/a/form/?t=mVu7eA

10/22/2025

Webinar Recap: Know Your Rights Training

Earlier this month, CIRH, in partnership with Afghan Network for Advocacy and Resources - ANAR, hosted a Know Your Rights: Train the Trainer webinar, a practical and empowering session designed to strengthen participants’ capacity to deliver Know Your Rights workshops within their own communities.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and engaged so thoughtfully throughout the session. A special thank-you to our partners at Project ANAR for their informative presentation and ongoing commitment to immigrant justice. Their expertise shed light on practical strategies for rapid response, family preparedness, and community education during times of uncertainty.

👉 Watch the recording and access resources:

Earlier this month, CIRH hosted the Know Your Rights: Train the Trainer webinar, a practical and empowering session designed to strengthen participants’ capacity to deliver Know Your Rights workshops within their own communities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us and p